Man pleads not guilty to illegal gun sale in one of first SAFE Act prosecutions

William Greene interviewed with the media after leaving Moreau Town Hall with his attorney Greg Canale on Thursday morning. Greene was one of the first to be arrested under the new hun law.Photo Erica Miller 5/2/13 news_GunArrest3_Fri

William Greene walked out of court at Moreau Town Hall with his attorney Greg Canale as he waved thank you for the supporters outside on Thursday morning. Greene was one of the first to be arrested under the new hun law.Photo Erica Miller 5/2/13 news_GunArrest2_Fri

MOREAU -- One of the first people charged under the state's new gun control laws pleaded not guilty Thursday during arraignment proceedings in Moreau Town Court.

More than a dozen Second Amendment rights activists, carrying flags and placards, cheered as William Greene, 51, of South Glens Falls left the Route 9 court building.

Greene faces two misdemeanor violations of the state's new SAFE Act for allegedly trying to sell an RGuns .223-5.56 caliber assault-style rifle with a pistol grip to an undercover New York State Police officer, on April 16.

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"I believe I haven't done anything wrong, violated any laws," he said. "I have my faith in this justice system."

State police said that Greene made the weapon available through social media, which they learned about through the New York State Gun Tip Line. He was charged with unlawful transfer of an assault weapon and disposing of a weapon without a NICS background check, misdemeanors, after selling the rifle to an undercover officer.

Greene said that was the first time he ever sold a gun and that he believes he was trapped.

"I've looked at the laws," he said. "Now that I've sold it and am in trouble, I still don't understand it. I don't think anybody out here can either."

Greene said he was aware of the law but didn't realize it had already gone into effect.

"I thought I had plenty of time," he said. "I was under the assumption that I had until April 15, 2014 to either sell it or register it."

Greene's attorney, Greg Canale, said, "He (Greene) has every intention of following this case through to the end. He's a hard-working, honest citizen. He didn't do anything wrong. He was caught and trapped in this unconstitutional law. We're going to let the system take its course. But we're not pleading guilty at any time to anything."

Members of the NY2A (Second Amendment) Grassroots Coalition group showed up to support Greene, along with others from throughout the area.

"The law itself is what we're questioning, the way it was passed," NY2A spokesman Jake Palmateer said. "This was a sting specifically arranged to prosecute an otherwise law- abiding citizen. It's very easy for other people to get caught up in a law that's going to haunt them for the rest of their lives."

By protesting this and similar arrests, the group hopes to get the law repealed, he said.

Lisa Donovan of Ballston Spa, said she's never met Greene, but felt it was important to turn out for Thursday's court proceeding.

"It's very, very important that we stand up for our rights," she said. "Once they strip them away, you can never get them back."

Greene was arraigned before town Justice Timothy Alden. His next court appearance is scheduled for July 11, when oral arguments, if required, will be made.

"I'd like to be left alone and get back on with my life," Greene said.